Melbourne scare unconvincing Eels

The Parramatta Eels have moved into the NRL Top 8 after a flat performance against a Origin-ravaged Melbourne outfit, winning by 24-22 at Parramatta Stadium in front of 12,597 fans.

All the pre-match talk centered around how many points the near full strength Eels would win by, and they must have been reading their own press as the Storm opened up a 10-0 lead after fifteen minutes, with tries to Sika Manu and a long range effort from Joseph Tomane. Parramatta hit back with three converted tries in thirteen minutes to take an 18-10 lead into half time.

In the 47th minute Manly bound winger Tony Williams was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul on opposing winger Brett Anderson, however the Storm were unable to capitalise on the one man advantage as the score remained the same until the 61st minute when Sika Manu crossed for his second try to bring the Storm within two points and a chance of a massive upset. Parramatta replied with a try of their own to Krisnan Inu and looked safe again at 24-16.

Stand-in skipper Cooper Cronk had other ideas though as he eased through some poor defence to set up a grandstand finish but in the end Luke Burt's perfect record with the boot proved the difference, the Storm putting up a great fight but falling two points short.

Next week the Eels take on the Panthers at home, while Melbourne will welcome back their Origin stars as they head back down south to take on the Raiders at Olympic Park.

12 min: The Eels get a great chance after a mistake by the winger Anderson, however Inu can't keep hold of the ball and may have injured himself in the process

14 min: TRY Melbourne Storm
Joseph Tomane runs the length of the field to score after Parramatta throw away a supreme chance to score down the other end. Conversion attempt by Cooper Cronk successful.
Melbourne Storm 10-0

19 min: VIDEO REF: Possible try to Parramatta

19 min: TRY Parramatta Eels
Taulima Tautai scores in the corner, with lead up work from Joel Reddy and a Brett Finch bomb. Conversion attempt by Luke Burt successful.
Melbourne Storm 10-6

22 min: Eels receive a penalty after Brett Finch is hit after kicking, however Sam Joe intercepts for the Storm and the pressure is off

26 min: Another penalty to the Eels after Joel Reddy is taken out in backplay, Parramatta on the attack

28 min: TRY Parramatta Eels
Tony Williams goes over after some great lead up work by Krisnan Inu. Conversion attempt by Luke Burt successful.
Parramatta Eels 12-10

31 min: Parramatta get another penalty for a late hit on the kicker, Eels attacking